Super Simple Host vs GitHub Pages

Super Simple Host vs GitHub Pages

GitHub Pages and Super Simple Host both provide static website hosting, but they serve different needs and audiences. GitHub Pages is a free hosting service tightly integrated with GitHub repositories, ideal for documentation and open-source project sites. Super Simple Host is a dedicated static hosting platform with advanced features designed for professional websites, client projects, and applications requiring dynamic capabilities.

This guide provides a comparison to help you choose the right hosting solution for you.

Feature Comparison

Deployment Options

GitHub Pages: Deployment is exclusively Git-based. You must push to a GitHub repository to deploy. Supports deployment from main branch, a specific branch, or a docs folder. Builds are triggered automatically on push.

Super Simple Host: Multiple deployment options to fit your workflow:

  • Git integration - Connect GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket repositories for automatic deployments on push
  • CLI deployment - Deploy directly from your terminal with a single command, no Git required
  • Manual upload - Upload build artifacts through the dashboard for complete control

Build Process & Framework Support

GitHub Pages: Natively supports Jekyll with automatic building. For other static site generators (Next.js, Astro, Hugo, etc.), you must use GitHub Actions to build your site and deploy the output. This requires workflow configuration and uses GitHub Actions minutes.

Super Simple Host: Framework-agnostic - deploy any static site generator's output. You control the build process locally or in your CI/CD pipeline. No build minutes to track, no workflow files to maintain. Simply deploy the built files.

Advanced Features

This is where the platforms diverge significantly. GitHub Pages focuses on serving static files, while Super Simple Host provides a comprehensive feature set for modern web applications.

Client-Side APIs

GitHub Pages: No built-in APIs. You must integrate third-party services for forms, real-time features, or dynamic functionality.

Super Simple Host: Every deployed website includes access to advanced client-side APIs:

  • AI proxy - OpenAI-compatible API that protects your API keys and adds rate limiting
  • Form backend - Handle contact forms with email delivery, no server code required

Security Features

GitHub Pages: Public repositories result in public sites. Private repositories can host private sites on GitHub Pro, but there's no fine-grained access control or password protection.

Super Simple Host: Multiple security options:

  • Password protection - Protect your entire site or specific folders with passwords
  • Member areas (Pro) - Create authenticated member-only sections with user management
  • Private deployments - Host private sites without exposing source code

URL Management

GitHub Pages: Limited routing capabilities. You can use Jekyll plugins for some URL manipulation, or rely on client-side routing in SPAs.

Super Simple Host: Powerful URL management through supersimple.json:

  • Rewrites - Hide file extensions, implement clean URLs, proxy paths
  • Redirects - Permanent and temporary redirects with pattern matching
  • SPA routing - Proper fallback handling for single-page applications
  • Wildcard patterns - Complex routing logic without server code

Analytics & Monitoring

GitHub Pages: No built-in analytics. You must integrate third-party analytics like Google Analytics, which requires cookie banners and GDPR compliance management.

Super Simple Host: Privacy-friendly anonymous traffic analytics included. GDPR-compliant without cookies or tracking scripts. View page views, visitor counts, and traffic sources directly in your dashboard. No cookie banners required.

Content Management

GitHub Pages: Content management through Git commits. Non-technical users must learn Git or use GitHub's web editor. Some third-party Git-based CMSs like Netlify CMS can be integrated but require configuration.

Super Simple Host: Built-in CMS (Pro plan) for managing content without touching code. Edit pages, blog posts, and media through an intuitive interface. Perfect for clients or team members who don't use Git.

Performance & Distribution

GitHub Pages: Served through GitHub's CDN with good global performance. Files are cached automatically. Limited control over caching headers or distribution strategy.

Super Simple Host: Hosted on premium infrastructure in Germany with optional global CDN distribution. Files can be replicated across data centers worldwide for minimum latency. Configurable caching headers and content delivery strategy.

Configuration Management

GitHub Pages: Configuration primarily through _config.yml for Jekyll sites. Other frameworks require GitHub Actions workflow files. Settings scattered between repository settings and configuration files.

Super Simple Host: Single supersimple.json file in your project root controls all site configuration. Version control your settings alongside your code. Declarative configuration for domains, redirects, rewrites, security, and more.

Pricing Comparison

GitHub Pages: Free for public repositories with some limitations:

  • 1GB repository size limit
  • 100GB monthly bandwidth soft limit
  • 10 builds per hour
  • Private sites require GitHub Pro ($4/month per user)

Super Simple Host: Straightforward pricing with all core features included:

  • $10/month - Unlimited websites, with generous traffic, includes client APIs, analytics, and form backend
  • Pro plan - Adds built-in CMS and member areas
  • Agency plan - Adds white-label client logins and billing features

No hidden costs, no per-site pricing, no bandwidth overage charges.

Migrating from GitHub Pages

Moving from GitHub Pages to Super Simple Host is straightforward:

  1. Build your site - Run your existing build command to generate static files
  2. Create a project - Sign up and create a new project in the Super Simple dashboard
  3. Deploy - Either connect your Git repository or use the CLI to deploy your build output
  4. Configure domains - Add your custom domain and point DNS to Super Simple (SSL is automatic)
  5. Add configuration - Create a supersimple.json file if you need redirects or special routing

Your existing static site generator (Jekyll, Hugo, Next.js, Astro, etc.) works without modification. The only change is where you deploy the built files.